Global Apple analysts report that sales of the iPhone 16 series, released three months ago, have fallen short of expectations, despite the inclusion of advanced Apple Intelligence (AI) features designed to captivate consumers.
As of early December 2024, estimated sales and shipments for the iPhone 16 series stand at 52 million units—well below the anticipated 65 million units expected within the first three months of its release.
Analysts suggest that Apple may have failed to provide compelling reasons for customers to upgrade from previous models, particularly given the close release timeline of the iPhone 15 series just a year earlier. Additionally, sales have been impacted by market restrictions in certain countries where iPhones are banned.
Data from platforms tracking iPhone shipments, such as BackLink, show that the iPhone 13 series, released in September 2021, remains Apple’s best-performing model of the last five years, achieving over 90 million units shipped within its first three months. The iPhone 14 series, launched in 2022, and the iPhone 15 series, released in 2023, follow in sales performance.
The same trackers indicate a declining trend in the immediate demand for new iPhones since the release of the iPhone 13 series, underscoring a potential shift in consumer behavior towards Apple’s flagship devices.
